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The presidential primaries are in full swing, and that leaves us with a lot of questions about the intricate rules, politics and process of choosing our next president. What’s the difference between a primary and a caucus? Delegates and superdelegates? Why do political parties even have conventions? For these answers and more, we turn to Jacob Weisberg, editor-in-chief of The Slate Group, host of the “Trumpcast” podcast on Slate.com and author of The Bush Tragedy. 

Do you have questions about our presidential primary process? Send us your questions in a comment below, or let us know on Twitter or Facebook!

Event: Slate's Culture Gabfest LIVE will be held on April 6th at 7:30 p.m. at the SVA Theater at 333 West 23rd Street. For tickets and event information, visit the event page. 

What's the difference between a primary and a caucus? One of them do not have a secret ballot https://t.co/CqYEvuM9Lo

— Leonard Lopate Show (@LeonardLopate) March 25, 2016

The delegate structure was meant to prevent someone like #BernieSanders from getting the nom & losing general election, says @jacobwe

— Leonard Lopate Show (@LeonardLopate) March 25, 2016

Delegates are bound for the first ballot, and we haven't had a convention that goes beyond first ballot since 1960s https://t.co/EbeBsy8G9v

— Leonard Lopate Show (@LeonardLopate) March 25, 2016

Political parties are private and "they can do whatever they want" to choose the nominees, says @jacobwe https://t.co/fBeyXr978g

— Leonard Lopate Show (@LeonardLopate) March 25, 2016

If a candidate drops out, delegates become uncommitted. That's why candidates "suspend" their campaign https://t.co/zFKLDCnYly

— Leonard Lopate Show (@LeonardLopate) March 25, 2016